Page 103 of Beautiful Deceit
“You keep saying that. I hope that one day I might actually feel it.”
“You will,” I promise.
Samantha tugs her coat sleeve over her purple cast. Pulling it down to the wrist, effectively hiding it. We made a small slit in the fabric so it would fit. Most of the physical evidence of her injuries are faded. I know she wants to hide the rest from her employees.
We takea cab to the bookstore. She’s nervous. Her knuckles are white on her lap as she runs her hands over her thighs.
I open my door, handing the cabbie cash. She looks up at me with wide eyes and parted lips. I nearly climb back in and pull her in my lap. I know she needs to be here.
She places her hand in mine and steps out of car, onto the sidewalk.
“It feels like ages since I’ve been here.” She stops and looks at the front window of her store with mixed emotions on her face, “Someone had the windows done for the holidays.”
I look up, catching what she’s referring to. Gold and red ribbons swirl around the corners with small green wreaths painted at the bottom center of each window. It’s subtle, but the effect is elegant. I rub my hand over her shoulder and down her back letting it rest on her waist. I don’t want to rush this moment.
A handful of seconds later the door opens. Jude peers around with Jess on his heels.
Samantha’s head turns toward them. A grin breaks free from her lips. That’s all the invitation he needs to rush over to her. I stand back, giving them room to embrace.
When he pulls back to look at her, I see a few small tears escape from her eyes. Jude’s eyes search hers.
"God I missed you!" He says. I can feel how true the statement is for him. She giggles through her tears, and he sweeps her away into the store, chatting the whole time. She looks back over her shoulder, making sure I'm following, still not realizing I'd follow her anywhere.
Jess is much more hesitant. She watches Samantha as she takes a good look around the store. Sam’s fingers glide over the wooden checkout counter and continue to the new release display. Eventually she looks up, wearing a small smile as she turns to Jess. “I see you didn’t dust while I was gone.” Sam tries at humor to break the tension.
Jess’s shoulders fall, and she starts crying. Samantha makes it over to her within a few strides. She wraps her arm around Jess. Jess lifts her arms to return her embrace.
“Why am I crying? I’m so happy to see you!” She tries to explain.
“I knew you were okay, I mean we’ve talked, but seeing you. Oh god, Sam. I’m so sorry.”
Samantha pulls back but keeps her arms around her friend’s waist, “It’s good to see you too.”
A few words are exchanged in a low whisper. I don’t even try to overhear. They have another quick embrace and part, both wearing smiles.
Samantha spends a little time greeting some of her regular customers with a genuine smile and a few words. Her hesitation from earlier is entirely gone now.
Jude makes her a large coffee with the creamer she prefers while talking to her about the new updates at the coffee counter. George makes a special trip in to see her too. He breaks the news to her that he's only been working a couple days a week for the past month, because his old hands just don't seem to work as well anymore. The news makes her sad, but she doesn't let it show.
My sweet Sammy plasters a smile on her face and tells him how great it is that now he'll have more time to stop by for dinner.
The relief on his face tells me how hard it was for him to admit how much he’s been struggling.
George lays his hand on hers, “The girls from the book club will be happy to know you’re back. We canceled last month after…well you know. Just didn’t feel right without you.”
Her eyes get a little glossy when she hears this, but she plays it off like they were being silly. I know deep down it feels good to know how much she was missed.
When we leave, she has a real smile on her lips. She stops and kisses me right in front of the door. Using my shirt to pull me down to her mouth.
She speaks right to my lips, "Thank you," before stealing my breath with a scorching kiss.
Jess shouts out an, "Atta girl," and whistles loudly. Sam leans back, staring up at me, not a hint of a blush is on her cheeks. She just stole my breath in front of the whole room, and all I can feel is desire radiating from her.
“Let's go home Sweets," I say, having collected my breath. She grabs my hand then lifts her concealed cast, waving to her friends.
Her eyes are heavy when she sits in the back of the cab. She sighs a sound of contentment and snuggles her body close to mine. I can already tell how much good it's done for her to be at the store, to see her friends.
I hope that after she meets with her new therapist later this week, we can keep moving forward. I know she's strong enough to get past the damage he's caused.
